The Venice Carnevale dates back to the Middle Ages when the leader of the Republic of Venice, Doge Vitale Michieli, was victorious against the Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162. Citizens crowded in jubilation in San Marco Square, igniting an annual celebration that continued right up until 1797, when the King of Austria, the ruler of the time, banned both the festival and mask-wearing. The carnival was plunged into obscurity, only to come out of the shadows centuries later in 1979, in an effort of the Italian government to revive the historical and cultural traditions of the city.

On our photo trip, we will sneak through tight backstreets and sail on gondolas across canals to arrive at grand masked balls, held at centuries-old palazzos and plazas illuminated by both street and candlelight. We will be flies on the decorative palace walls as we capture the guests coming from far and wide against scenic cityscape backdrops decked out in their decadent costumes. Checkered Venetian harlequins party alongside lace-gowned courtesans and dukes sporting velvet capes, our photography documenting the blurring of history and make-believe.

Yet, it is the Venetian masks that will steal the spotlight at this extravagant event. These facial coverings were used to conceal people’s identities and therefore social class in a hierarchical European society, shrouding the festival in secrecy and mystery. Our cameras will span the surroundings to find “la maschera più bella” (the most beautiful mask): dizzying scenes of ribbons, beads, sequins, feathers, and painted porcelain, juxtaposed by the terrifying long hooked beaks of the plague doctor masks, said to ward off the spread of illness.

In stark contrast to the festival’s opulence and excess, we will also be photographing the boatyards, open-air markets, and adjacent fishing communities of Venice to bask in serenity and simplicity after the crowds of the carnival.

This 7-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Venice Carnival, a visual extravaganza of color and texture beyond compare, is a pinch-me moment for any photographer. Your visual odyssey starts here!

The Venice Carnevale dates back to the Middle Ages when the leader of the Republic of Venice, Doge Vitale Michieli, was victorious against the Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162. Citizens crowded in jubilation in San Marco Square, igniting an annual celebration that continued right up until 1797, when the King of Austria, the ruler of the time, banned both the festival and mask-wearing. The carnival was plunged into obscurity, only to come out of the shadows centuries later in 1979, in an effort of the Italian government to revive the historical and cultural traditions of the city.

On our photo trip, we will sneak through tight backstreets and sail on gondolas across canals to arrive at grand masked balls, held at centuries-old palazzos and plazas illuminated by both street and candlelight. We will be flies on the decorative palace walls as we capture the guests coming from far and wide against scenic cityscape backdrops decked out in their decadent costumes. Checkered Venetian harlequins party alongside lace-gowned courtesans and dukes sporting velvet capes, our photography documenting the blurring of history and make-believe.

Yet, it is the Venetian masks that will steal the spotlight at this extravagant event. These facial coverings were used to conceal people’s identities and therefore social class in a hierarchical European society, shrouding the festival in secrecy and mystery. Our cameras will span the surroundings to find “la maschera più bella” (the most beautiful mask): dizzying scenes of ribbons, beads, sequins, feathers, and painted porcelain, juxtaposed by the terrifying long hooked beaks of the plague doctor masks, said to ward off the spread of illness.

In stark contrast to the festival’s opulence and excess, we will also be photographing the boatyards, open-air markets, and adjacent fishing communities of Venice to bask in serenity and simplicity after the crowds of the carnival.

This 7-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Venice Carnival, a visual extravaganza of color and texture beyond compare, is a pinch-me moment for any photographer. Your visual odyssey starts here!

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.